...it's just the song that pops into my head when I think about Alabama - better than "Oh Susanna"?)

This past weekend I had the pleasure and privilege to attend a weekend workshop at Alabama Chanin (thanks to the OAC). I have to say - it was great. I picked out my own project (albeit one that is almost identical to one in the most recent book, Alabama Studio Sewing + Design), received all the attention (and in some ways more) that I needed, and got to experience first-hand the Alabama Chanin aesthetic and ethics. It was a perfect storm: crafting, fashion, conversations about sustainability, local food, and no other obligations. Yes, I ran away to sewville! And I would gladly run away again although next time I might try to get my mom to come along as well.

Natalie Chanin and her staff were great. I was often a dork, but they didn't let on that they knew, which I really appreciate. It's just hard when you're really excited but also second-guessing your choices (dress? skirt? cardigan? Ack!). Everyone, including the other participants, was generous with their time and advice. I've come home with a project that I'm terribly excited about as well as new confidence in my sewing and construction skills.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

After a year off, the ladyfriend and I ventured back to “the
land.” Yes – the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival. We hadn’t taken last year off because we hadn’t had an
amazing time the first time but because we were in Newfoundland and there’s only
so much time or money.

While different than the first time, which, for us, was
spine-tinglingly* overwhelming and wonderful, this year cemented the fact that
we will come every year that we can.
In fact, we’re thinking about trying to offer a workshop next year
called “So Wrong for So Long” about how even after our friends talked about
Fest all the time, it took us awhile to actually get there. Now that we’ve experienced it for
ourselves, we wished we’d come earlier.
So wrong for so long. I’m
sure we’re not the only ones. Now
the question is – how do we convince more of our friends?

One of the great things about Fest is that there’s room for
all kinds of womyn (spelling remains in deference to Fest). If you’re the crunchy granola type,
there’s music, workshops, and things for you to do. If you’re a Goth chick, you’ve got options as well. Into hip
hop, punk, or mellow jazz? Got you
covered. It’s not the big,
over-processing plant (my initial fear) that one could think it is. It’s really just a great time and an
easy place to be.

Elvira Kurt, who not only MC’d multiple stages but had her
own set on Opening Ceremony night, is worth the price of
admission in and of herself.
Terribly funny, incredibly smart, and super cute!

I could go on, but I’ll practice some restraint. However, if you have questions about
Fest, feel free to ask me or check out their website. It’s a really important space to have, and it would be a
great loss if we were to lose it.

Just to keep things interesting, I’m off to take an
intensive weekend workshop (thanks to an Emerging Artist Grant from the Ontario Arts Council) at Alabama Chanin.
Stay tuned.